Lakeside Murder

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the tops are crackled and the edges are set. The centers should still look slightly soft.
7. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.